Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia Review

“When my grandmother launched the first Private Collection fragrance in 1973, her idea was to give the world a special fragrance she had created originally just for herself and a few friends,” explains Aerin. “Tuberose Gardenia redefines Estēe’s Private Collection idea in a very special way. It’s my tribute to her and the love we shared for these magnificent white flowers.”

There appears to be an explosion of gardenia themed fragrances for this fall. Everyone from Marc Jacobs to Bond 9 will be launching their own take on the beautiful gardenia note. Estee Lauder has released their own gardenia but this one takes on the added note of tuberose. This creates a big exquisite white floral that manages to be elegant and refined. To be so powerful and yet so dainty is a big feat in perfumery.

The fragrance combines the finest ingredients from nature with modern technology to yield a bold, confident, textural fragrance experience. At its heart is a voluptuous middle note of precious Tuberose and exotic Gardenia, two enchanting white flowers whose essences were extracted using the finest methods available to yield unparalleled levels of purity and potency -- comparable to the scents the flowers themselves emit through the air.

The balance of this sumptuously floral fragrance comes from a top note of Neroli combined with the sublime clarity of Lilac and opulent Rosewood; middle notes of fresh Orangeflower, indulgent Jasmine and intriguing White Lily; a hint of Carnation with touches of the finest grade Vanilla Bourbon complete the dry down.

I generally shy away from the tuberose note. It's ladylike power overwhelms me. Fracas and I have never been able to be friends. This tuberose note in the Lauder fragrance is done with a light touch. It is not only wearable for people who fear "the Fracas effect" but it also makes you appreciate the characteristics of the note. This is a scent that is worthy to be sitting next to the great Lauder fragrances like Youth Dew and the original Private Collection.

According to my local SA, James, there will be more Private Collection fragrances including a gorgeous and mind blowing oriental.

The Deets: Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia will be available in August at Bergdorf Goodman, Holt Renfrew, SAKS and Neiman Marcus. International launches will be in September 2007.

Parfum will retail for $300 for 1 oz. This stunning glass bottle with semi-precious stones that was inspired by a Joseph Hoffmann brooch. The gems are aventurine, yellow and green jade, citrine, lemon and mustard stones.

EDP 1 oz bottle will retail for $65.00 and $120.00 for the 2.5 oz

The Solid Perfume Compact will retail for $175.00. This compact will be encrusted with the same semi-precious gemstones.

The Body Creme will be $75.00 for 6.7 oz.

There are two makeup items available in this collection. A powder compact will be offered encrusted with the collection's signature semi-precious stones. It will come in two shades, Iridescent and Transparent. The price is $125.00.

The Mirror Compact encrusted with semi-precious stones is $75.00.

Disclaimer: A press sample of this product was provided by Estee Lauder Company.